No Rinse Review

Clean Life Products (No Rinse) graciously provided me with some items to review in exchange for my feedback.

Look at all these goodies!

No Rinse Body Wash

Cleans and refreshes. Easy to use, absolutely no rinsing needed. Leaves skin feeling clean. Very glad I found it. Much better than what the hospital used, which left me feeling I needed a good rinse. Great for use to keep skin cool and smooth and refreshed in warm weather, or to cleanse skin while traveling or in other situations when a bath or shower is not possible and for daily personal care. 

• Ready to use
• Absolutely no rinsing required
• Gentle on sensitive skin
• Leaves skin clean, refreshed & odor-free
• No alcohol means no dryness
• Safe and effective perineal cleanser
• Moisturizes as it cleans

Instant Foam Non-Alcohol Hand Sanitizer

Great product. It cleans with a gentle scent and doesn't burn sensitive or cracked skin. Being alcohol free, it's great for the kids, too. Love the fact that I can throw this in my bag or leave it in the car. I even use the hand-sanitizer to clean my makeup brushes gently.

I will post my review on the other No Rinse products soon, so keep checking back! In the meantime, go check out the rest of the wonderful items at No Rinse for all your bathing and personal care needs!

Birchbox - August 2014

Birchbox
Cost: $10/month

Oh, Birchbox... we meet again. :) August 2014's box has arrived. Let's dig in.

"Lighten Up" is the theme for August.

Information card listing full size prices and directions on how to use them.

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo - ($21.00)

I must have been living under a rock because this is the first time with dry shampoo and man! Where has this been all my life?? I have a few samples of random dry shampoos cans to use from subscription boxes and once they are gone, I will definitely be ordering some of this!

Harvey Prince Ageless Body Cream - ($22.00)

HP is easily my new obsession. I fell in love with their "Hello" scent thanks to Birchbox and I've came across a few other Harvey Prince products since then, and I seriously love them all. Really.

Noir Cosmetics Long Lasting Eyeliner - ($15.00)

Another. Black. Eyeliner. *sigh* I have more black eyeliner than I will ever know what to do with, thanks to subscription boxes. But I don't have from this brand yet, so I am excited to give it a shot.

The Balm Stainiac - ($17.00)

I wish I was one of the girls that could wear this and not look like a circus clown... Sadly though, I'm not. :( So I'll pass it along to my best friend who loves getting all the stains I can't wear.



Not pictured (I forgot to take an individual picture of this! Sorry)

Vasanti Detox Facial Cleanser - ($24.00)

Meh. I think I got this in like, an Ipsy bag at some point and did use it. While it does work and it was lovely to use, I have a few other cleansers that I prefer a little more than this one.



Verdict: GOOD JOB BIRCHBOX!! I know we have a Love/Hate relationship sometimes, but I can't seem to let you go, and this month is another reason why (And let's not forget the AMAZING points system, where most recently I redeemed my points for a Coastal Scents Revealed Palette!). Birchbox, I love you.

Body & Soul Review - Part 2

Today I am going to do part 2 of my Body & Soul   review.   In case you missed it, here is Body & Soul Review Part 1

Body & Soul Wearable Treatment - ($13.99)

This stuff is auh-mazing. It smells great and really helps keep my hair frizz-free. I've tried just about everything I've come across [yes, I have tried WEN, Frizz Ease, all the top high end expensive brands] and nothing has worked to tame my frizziness/poofiness what ever you want to call it. I put it on my damp hair after the shower and it keeps the frizz away. :) :) :) for once in my life I have 'normal people hair' !!!!!

Argan Oil Serum - ($15.99)

I absolutely LOVED this serum. It made my hair soft, silky, and touchable (I loved patting my hair just to feel it), and despite me having an oily scalp, this didn't make my hair the slightest bit oily.  My hair remains soft and shiny when using, and not weighed down. The trick is to use only the minimum amount you can get away with (which also helps conserve product!).

Body & Soul products NEVER CONTAIN: Sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, dyes, harsh chemicals, phthalates, petrolatum, or propylene glycol. 

Go check them out HERE!!!

**I received these items free of charge for my review and feedback**

Pour Le Monde parfume review

Pour Le Monde

Pour le Monde’s eau de parfums are 100% natural fragrances made from essential oils and natural isolates derived from botanical ingredients that are harvested from the earth such. These safe, non-toxic, vegan perfumes are made of flowers, fruits, leaves. These oils are derived from natural raw materials by either steam or water distillation, a technique that has been around for centuries. There are no parabens, sulfates, formaldehyde or chemicals.

I was sent a sample pack of the three different Pour le Monde scents: Together, Envision, and Empower. All three were subtle and exquisite. I found that the three natural fragrances, though concentrated, gently fade after a few hours. I liked that they did not stick to my clothing or leave a cloud where ever I went.

My favorite was Empower, because I am attracted to citrus and green-grassy fragrances. Empower is a crisp, citrus perfume with top notes of grapefruit, lemon, and mandarin infused with an herbal mix of spearmint, lemongrass and basil. I liked wearing this sample for every day. 10% of your purchase will benefit Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a charity that provides guide dogs for the blind, visually impaired and children with autism.

If you like lavender, you will love Envision. This lavender-based fragrance is blended with Italian bergamot, pink peppercorn; orange, lime, mixed woods and vanilla. I liked wearing this one for cozy fall date nights. 10% of the net sale of Envision benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Together is for the floral-ly perfume person, it is made of freesia, jasmine and violet. It is amazing how truly like freshly-picked flowers a perfume can smell when there are no chemicals or additives! I wore this one for girls nights out. 10% of the net sale of Together benefits the Cancer Support Community.


At $95 per 1.7 ounce bottle, the perfumes are not cheap. Naturals, because they are limited, need to be harvested responsibly and have to be imported from around the world, creating greater expense. It is much more cost effective to replicate nature in a lab.

Autographed Make-up by ONE DIRECTION Giveaway

About the Product

The irreverent attitude and colorful style of a new generation takes on a glamorous form in Makeup by One Direction. The world’s biggest pop band debuts a limited-edition cosmetics collection by Markwins International, now available at Macy’s!

Much like the One Direction band members themselves, this prestige make-up line is fun, bold and a tad mischievous, featuring vivid shades, premium formulas and chic, collectible packaging and components.

About the Collection:
“The Looks Collection” comprises three keepsake tins inspired by One Direction’s globe-conquering albums, “Up All Night, “Take Me Home” and the latest chart topper, ‘Midnight Memories.” Each tin comes complete with everything you need to show off your personality. Are you a rock n’ roll girl, a fun party girl or the girl next door? We have just the right collection for you and illustrations to help show you just how to get your perfect look. All your beauty essentials are housed in a LIMITED EDITION collectible keepsake tin with removable sleeve, complete with ONE DIRECTION doodle stencils to decorate your keepsake tin and make it uniquely your own! 

Details on the 3 Looks Collection tins: http://bit.ly/1DMakeupLooksCollection

https://www.facebook.com/MakeupbyOneDirection

Out To Sea Tattoo Lotion Review

Out To Sea

Great product all around.  This really does help to heal and soothe a new tattoo. But, it does more than just that. I've used it on my nose when I've had a head cold to help the chapping. The skin is kept moisturized and the tattoos fresh. Highly recommend as a moisturizer and skin softener! Use sparingly. 


Unscented - Vegan - FDA Approved - Promotes Healing - Eco Friendly Packaging - Paraben Free - No Preservatives - San Francisco Based - All Purpose Lotion 


*I  received a free product in exchange for my review*

Ellovi Body Butter Review

Ellovi Body Butter

This butter, even though it’s very intensely moisturizing, is very light on the skin. I found this refreshing because sometimes the most deeply moisturizing body butters are very heavy and I have to wash my hands after applying them or be left with residue. Ellovi absorbs very quickly, leaving only soft skin behind.

The formula is so fantastic though. It works on even the driest skin spots. For that alone I’ll keep a jar around. It’s the first thing I’ve found that seems to penetrate that skin and help it look normal. It’s a raw butter made from just 6 pure ingredients. There’s no water and no unnecessary ingredients.

Ingredients
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) oil, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil (Hemp), Organic Corn Starch and Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea)


**I received this product compliments of Ellovi for review**

12 Benefits Review

12benefits kindly sent me this sample for my review and feedback.

Instant Healthy Hair Treatment - ($7.25)


I love this product! 12 Benefits takes my long, old frizzy hair and turns it into young, soft and shiny hair! 12 Benefits is a zillion benefits for me!  I use this stuff every morning after washing or wetting my hair. Easy to use -- just spritz spritz and fluff it in, then style. Makes my hair soft and manageable, and holds a style. Does not build up from wetting to wetting even if I don't wash my hair -- seems to rinse out with a simple wetting.

What are the 12 Benefits™ of Instant Healthy Hair Treatment?

Our all-in-one formula when applied after shampooing and conditioning works to:

• Seal hair color +
• Smooth frizz +
• Repair damage +
• Prevent split ends +
• Moisturize dry hair +
• Strengthen fragile hair +
• Prevent flat iron damage +
• Prevent chlorine, wind & sun damage +
• Add shine, softness and a silky finish +
• Protect hair from blow-drying +
• Improve detangling & manageability +
• Keep hair youthful

*Disclaimer: I received this product free of charge for my honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Dr. Song Vitamin C Review + Giveaway!

Dr. Song 20% Vitamin C Serum

*Contains 20% Vitamin C
* Boosted with Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, and Hyaluronic Acid for even smoother skin


I used one bottle of this product and loved it. However I thought it was a little expensive for the size. So I tried another 3 types of Vitamin C and haven't found another one that I enjoy as much as this one.  It smells great, doesn't clump up or give you a peeling face and you really do feel more moisturized at the end of the day.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

GIVEAWAY TIME!! Dr. Song is giving away a FREE bottle of Vitamin C! Want a chance to win one? Just enter below!

Ipsy - August 2014

Ipsy
Cost: $10/month

My August Ipsy bag is finally here, a little later in the month than it usually comes. And like most everyone in the blogger scene / beauty groups, I am less than thrilled about this bag. I have been a member since January and this is the worst bag yet.

"Beauty Schooled" is the theme this month... Appropriate for all the kiddos going back to school :)

Klorane Dry Shampoo - ($19.50)

I got the full size version of this in my Bluum box a few months and as I remember, I traded it. I'm sure that will happen again.

Jersey Shore Sun Mongongo Lip Conditioner - ($4.00)

I currenly have WAYYY too much lip balm, and the Mandarin Green Orange Ginger flavor just doesn't like my cup of tea, so I will give this to my daycare lady for the girls to play with.

Urban Decay Perversion - ($22)

I actually got this same sample a few months ago from Urban Decay, right before they released Perversion. I love it! So while I'm happy to have another sample of it, it would have been nice to get something else that I didn't already have (but that's not Ipsy's fault!)

Coastal Scents Shadow Palette Sample

This will also be given to my daycare lady, these just aren't my colors. I would probably use the blue pot, but not the other three. 

Manna Kadar Sheer Glo Lotion - ($29.00)

It says it works with all skin tones, but I have tried this same one in another subscription box, and I must be one of the unlucky girls that just can't use it.

Verdict: I love my Ipsy, it's one of my favorites. This month the sample sizes were smaller than usual, and some repeats for me. The mascara  is the only item I am keeping from this month (and I already have one!). Heck, I'm even getting rid of the bag. It's weird plastic, and the creases won't come out. Even the bag is less than stellar this month.  :(

Did you get a good bag this month?

Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s) Capsules Review

Branch Chain Amino Acids - (29.95)


I was kindly given this product in exchange for a honest review from Poliquin Group.

I take these pre and post workout to help recovery and prevent injury. It does help with increasing energy and I can tell a difference since taking them that my recovery is better. I also have better endurance with this supplement.  This should be part of any workout plan. Great product!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Cassani Fogless Shower Mirror

Cassani Shower Mirror - ($14.99)

Today I received the Casssani shower mirror to review (well, technically my husband will be reviewing it, but I may also use it!)

I've seen shower mirrors before, but never ones that claim to be fogless. It is very easy to setup, the razor holder and mirror holder just stick on the shower wall. **FYI - Make sure you place it where you want it because the hooks do not move again**

The mirror is not made of glass, but rather a reflective surface that is more than clear enough to shave if your face is within about 9" from the mirror. If you move away, there is a barely noticeable "fun-house" distortion (though you can still see clearly), which becomes noticeable only if you rock back and forth from the mirror. Since I doubt most people will do that while shaving, such distortion is a non-issue.

I have yet to see any fog develop on the mirror what so ever.



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sister Suds Review

Sister Suds sent me this complimentary package of goodies to try out and review for you!

Olive Oil Shampoo Bar

This stuff is gentle, smells great, and makes my hair feel wonderful: fresh, full of life, and really healthy. I like that it's natural; I love that it makes my hair glossy and gorgeous.

It gives my hair great body and spring, and I notice I don’t need conditioner when I use it. The lather is surprisingly rich - I didn't expect that from a bar. One caution, though: it will melt away to nothing if you leave it where the shower sprays right on it! They make a little wooden stand that works well but it isn't necessary if you put the bar where it can drain and dry.

I think it must cleanse off all the residue that builds up over time from commercial products. Regardless, I know my hair behaves ever so much better when I use it 2-3 times a week!!

Hemp Shampoo Bar

I LOVE this shampoo bar! Having never used something like this before I couldn't be more impressed with it! It lasts a long time, has a very mild but pleasant smell. I do use a little leave in conditioner afterwards as I live in a very dry part of the country.  

Bottom line, my scalp is clean and my hair is not dried out after using this. I am also prone to break outs on my scalp when I change hair products and I did not get that with this.

Tammy Fender Holistic Skin Care Review

In this posting, I will be reviewing Tammy Fender Skincare who kindly provided me with some samples.

I'll be honest, I was slightly disappointed when I saw that I got foil packets. Anyone who has read my blog, knows how much I hate foil samples. HATE HATE HATE. I don't think they have enough product in them to be able to make a decision about whether to purchase that particular product. But this time, I decided to just give it a shot. Boy, was I surprised!!!



Roman Chamomile Tonic (6.7oz - $60)

I'm a little surprised to see a $60 price tag on this item. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy this, and it left my skin feeling very soft and smooth! I'm just not sure if I could spend that much. It is a wonderful product however! Maybe I can splurge!!



Rose Geranium & Tangerine Body Lotion (8oz - $75)

I'm on the fence about this one. When I first put it on, I "kinda" liked the smell. But as time went on, it only got worse. I could not smell the tangerine at all, only the geranium (which isn't one of my favorite flowers). The lotion is thick, and it takes some time to absorb into the skin. My hands felt great though! Maybe I just need another scent.

Head on over to Tammy Fender Holistic Skincare and check out all their great products!!

Awakening Mineral Skin Care Review

Awakening Mineral Skincare kindly sent me this package to review.

I was pleasantly surprised to see TWO FULL SIZED items!

Hands (3.38oz, $16.95)

I use this daily before i go to bed so it can work over night, and then in the morning my hands are soft and smooth. I love the scent and the silky texture, the cream is not sticky or greasy. It absorbs quickly and goes on smoothly. This hand cream is worth the money!

*Never greasy or sticky
*Leaves skin feeling like within 40 seconds
*Vegan skincare. Never tested on animals. Contains no animal ingredients or derivatives
*Paraben free

Body (8.45oz $34.95)

i'm a lotion fanatic and try all sorts of lotions--from expensive to discount generic brands--and from the hundreds I've tried (and keep sampling), mineral body cream by awakening minerals is by far the best for my skin. 100% non greasy, no film. skin soaks up lotion after every shower and keeps my skin ever so soft--all day long!

I am totally in love with this line of skincare and I can't wait to try out their other products!

Be sure to check out Awakening Mineral Skin Care !

Number One Probiotic Review

Number One Nutrition  kindly gave me this bottle of Advanced Probiotic for review.


In the heat of the Nebraska summer, I tend to veg out. It’s too hot for much walking; it’s even too hot for a nice bike ride. So my digestion slows down even though I try to eat right. Here’s a good answer to my problem: Advanced Probiotic.

This supplement offers a whopping eight friendly bacterium. The instructions say to take two a day, but I’ve found that, while two is over much for my system, one does the trick. Bloating goes away, and life is good. Probiotics are also helpful in maintaining a healthy immune system, but you’re not going to see much of an improvement day by day. You will experience a difference in digestion after only one dose.

This supplement is made in the USA, but it is manufactured in a plant that also handles soy products and tree nuts, so super sensitive individuals should read the ingredients and instructions before proceeding. These products don’t bother me, and the supplement does me good.

If you've been told to take probiotics, if you experience a sluggish digestion, try this supplement. It works!

FIVE STARS! I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Beauty Box 5 - August 2014

Beauty Box 5

Cost: $12/month

Look what came today! As always, my BB5 arrived before I got the tracking email for it. And as always, BB5 is the first box of the month to show up at my door! And this month looks good!

La Fresh Travel Lite Facial Cleansing Wipes ($2.49)

I have seen these in other subscription boxes and I have been wanting to try them so I'm excited that I finally got some in one of my boxes! 

Nanacoco Lip Gloss (Carmel Latte) - $3.99

I love getting lip products in my boxes! This is a pretty color, but I'm not too sure if it's right for me. I tend to go more towards the pinks and reds so it may get traded.

Style Essentials Nail Polish - $7.00

I have sooooo much nail polish thanks to subscription boxes. I have a few colors similar to this so I will be giving this to my friend, who fell in love with the color! 

Purlisse SPF 30 Sunscreen - $55

MORE SUNSCREEN.....I know it's summertime and whatnot, but enough of the sunscreen already. It's in EVERY BOX.... :/

Roux Anti-Aging Hair Serum - $11.99

Interesting concept... anti-aging hair serum? "Instantly younger looking hair"? Hmmm... Not too sure if this is really something that I need. 

Overall, I am very pleased with my Beauty Box 5 this month. Always worth the $12 price. 

Body & Soul Beauty Review - Pt. 1 (Shampoo and Conditioner)

Body Soul Beauty  kindly provided  me with some lovely goodies to review today!

Wow! 4 full size products!

Daily Lather Shampoo - $14.99


A lot of shampoos leave my hair feeling as if all the natural oils have been stripped from my hair and leave it brittle and frizzy (even with conditioners and hair products), this stuff just makes my hair feel soft and clean, and it's super tame, no frizz! My daughter has curly hair that easily tangles, I have to saturate her hair in conditioner and leave in before brushing it becomes manageable. I tried this stuff and she didn't whine once while I was brushing. My husband uses it too and he says nothing has made his hair feel so good as this shampoo does. We have the conditioner to go with it. This has just become the staple for our household, and not badly priced for an natural hair care system.

Rebuilding Conditioner - $14.99

I love this conditioner and the matching shampoo! It's lightweight, but also keeps my hair moisturized enough, which is no easy task - I have fine (thin strands), but thick (a LOT of them) hair, so it tends to get weighted down and fall flat...but it also dries out easily...but it also looks greasy within a day of not washing. Super annoying!

Body Soul Beauty  products NEVER contain sodium lauryl/laureth sulfate, dyes, harsh chemicals, parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, or propylene.


SPECIAL OFFER: Valid through the end of August, Body Soul is offering FREE SHIPPING if you use the code "FREESHIPAUG"

Check them out on Facebook and don't forget to visit their website  and get your order in!